Zen & Now podcast

In this episode, we speak with Shivangi Bhagwan, a food and lifestyle enthusiast, about her journey in the culinary world. They discuss the influence of travel on her cooking, the importance of adapting traditional recipes for modern lifestyles, and the role of food in personal wellness. Shivangi shares her experiences living in different countries, the challenges of maintaining cultural tradition...

In this episode of Zen & Now, Kishen Morar engages in a transformative conversation with Christabelle Joseph, a transformational guide, speaker, and author. They explore the journey of self-discovery, the importance of authenticity, and the role of human connection in a digital age. Christabelle shares her insights on embracing pain as a catalyst for growth, the significance of grounding pract...

In this engaging conversation, Kobi Yoganretnam shares his journey as an entrepreneur, family man, and community advocate. He discusses the importance of hard work, the influence of his upbringing, and the values he aims to instil in his children. Kobi emphasises the significance of human connection, the challenges of immigration, and the need for mental health awareness in children. He also highl...

In this conversation, Shainal Nana shares her profound journey through grief and loss, discussing the impact of losing her father and late husband. She emphasises the importance of support structures, self-awareness, and mindfulness practices in navigating grief. Shainal also introduces her initiative, MindSelf Kids, which aims to teach children mindfulness and resilience through yoga. The discuss...

In this episode of Zen and Now, Kishen Morar speaks with Bhavik Ganda, an athlete and dentist, about the challenges of balancing multiple roles in life. They discuss the importance of recovery, the journey into dentistry, and how sports and professional life can intersect. Bhavik shares his experiences overcoming challenges in athletics, the significance of asking for help, and the role of family...

In this engaging conversation, Kishen shares his personal journey with @Gymrat_Official_ZA  through mental health challenges, emphasising the importance of authenticity and emotional expression. He discusses cultural barriers to discussing feelings, his experiences with depression, and the transformative power of seeking help. The dialogue also highlights the importance of fitness i...

Join @DrPriyalModi  on her inspiring journey to integrative healing, where she combines conventional medical practices with alternative therapies to promote holistic wellness. From her early days as a medical student to her pioneering work in the field of integrative medicine, Dr. Modi shares her personal story of transformation and growth. Learn how she overcame challenges and stay...

In this conversation, Akashni Pillay Weimers shares her transformative journey from a challenging upbringing in Durban to becoming a fitness creator and advocate for Ayurveda. She discusses the importance of reclaiming femininity and strength, navigating opportunities and challenges, and the awakening to health and self-reflection. Akashni emphasises the role of community, accountability, and purp...

In Episode 47 of Zen & Now, we sit down with the remarkable Shainaaz Dawood Singh, whose story of strength and transformation will move you to your core. Adopted at the age of 6, Shainaaz faced a childhood marked by emotional and physical abuse, bullying for her dark skin and body image, and the pain of feeling like she didn’t belong. Despite these hardships, she chose not to let her trauma de...

From the high-fashion world of Chanel to becoming a globally recognised beauty YouTuber, Stephanie Lange has built a career rooted in authenticity , vulnerability , and bold self-expression . But her journey wasn't always picture-perfect. In this raw and revealing episode of Zen & Now , Stephanie opens up about the challenges behind the camera — dealing with beauty standards, online criticism,...

In this conversation, Nolan Pillay shares his inspiring journey from overcoming the struggles of apartheid in South Africa to becoming a successful speaker, author, and life coach. He discusses the importance of resilience, community support, and the inner work necessary for personal growth. Nolan emphasises the need for youth empowerment and the role of purpose in life, while also highlighting hi...

Sofia's Shocking Survival Story: Abuse, Addiction & Suicidal Ideation at 14 In this raw and courageous episode, Sofia shares her deeply personal story of surviving childhood abuse, falling into addiction, and battling suicidal thoughts—all before the age of 15. She opens up about the pain she kept hidden, the moments she almost gave up, and how she slowly began to rebuild her life. Her story i...

In Episode 42 of Zen & Now, we’re joined by Zeenat Simjee, the first woman of color to serve as a dietitian for South Africa’s national rugby team. In this inspiring conversation, Zeenat shares: Her groundbreaking journey in elite sports nutrition The power of representation in male-dominated spaces How under-resourced communities can benefit from consistent, personalized nutrition The vital l...

🎙️ In this powerful episode of Zen & Now, we sit down with Tivania Moodley — rape and domestic violence survivor, author, international speaker, and human rights activist. Tivania opens up about her harrowing past, her path to healing, and how she turned unimaginable pain into a platform for global empowerment. This conversation explores the reality of gender-based violence, the importance of...

In this episode of Zen & Now, I sit down with YouTuber @Caitlin Pawlowski to explore the hidden impact of toxic social media culture. From the pressure to constantly consume luxury fashion to the addictive nature of curated online personas, Caitlin shares her journey of navigating the highs and lows of being both a creator and consumer in the digital age. We talk about: Falling into the cycle...

In this conversation, Akaya Sound shares her journey of reclaiming her voice and the healing power of sound. She discusses the importance of creating safe spaces for self-expression, the impact of trauma on voice, and how music can connect us to our deeper selves. The dialogue emphasises the transformative experiences that arise from community support and personal stories, highlighting the role of...

In this conversation, Arman Shahi, a physical mastery coach, shares his journey of self-discovery and the importance of vulnerability in personal growth. He discusses how pain can be a catalyst for change and the significance of support systems in achieving success. The dialogue explores the evolving roles of men in society, the balance between discipline and compassion in coaching, and the impact...

In this conversation, Dr. Gizelle Williams shares her inspiring journey as a cancer and kidney failure survivor. She discusses the shock of her diagnosis, the challenges of treatment, and the importance of resilience and self-care. Dr. Williams emphasises the value of sharing experiences to help others and reflects on the lessons learned throughout her journey, including the significance of embrac...

In this conversation, Ashnee Mathen, a qualified kids yoga teacher, shares her journey into teaching yoga to children, emphasising the importance of mindfulness, breath, and playfulness in their learning. She discusses the challenges children face in modern society, the role of parents in fostering mindfulness, and the need for emotional awareness, especially in boys. The conversation highlights t...

Dr. Krishen Samuel shares his journey as a PhD researcher and consultant focused on creating inclusive and equitable spaces in this enlightening conversation. He discusses his experiences living with HIV, the evolution of public health perspectives across different cultures, and the importance of community support and activism in combating stigma. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of mental...

This conversation explores the immigrant experience of South Africans in Canada, focusing on the challenges of cultural adaptation, language barriers, and the importance of community and family support. We share personal stories of resilience, mental health struggles, and the journey of belonging in a new country. Follow Carlin & Me: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/carlincala/ Instagram...

In this episode of Zen and Now, host Kishen Morar speaks with Lauren Champion, an advocate for those living with endometriosis. Lauren shares her personal journey of struggling with the condition, the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of self-advocacy. The conversation delves into the emotional toll of living with chronic pain, the need for awareness and understanding, and...

In this episode of Zen and Now, host Kishen Morar chats with Candice De Mendonça, aka The Fitness Hybrid, about her journey in wellness, the power of authenticity, and the deep connection between mental health, nutrition, and movement. A passionate advocate against gender-based violence, Candice shares how her experiences fuel her mission to empower others through strength and self-awareness. They...

In this conversation, Monica Dos Santos shares her profound journey as a two-time cancer survivor, discussing the emotional and spiritual challenges she faced during her illness. She emphasizes the importance of resilience, personal growth, and the transformative power of choosing life. Monica also highlights her approach to parenting, focusing on emotional intelligence, honesty, and breaking the...

In this conversation, Kamal Jasmath shares his extraordinary journey living with cerebral palsy, discussing the challenges he faced from childhood, the emotional struggles of acceptance, and the importance of hope and resilience. He reflects on family dynamics, the impact of losing his mother, and the necessity of expressing emotions. Kamal emphasises the significance of mindset in overcoming obst...